Historisches Archiv des Erzbistums Köln, Catholic archive in Cologne, Germany.
The Historical Archive of the Cologne Archdiocese is a document repository holding thousands of church records and administrative materials from the diocesan region. These materials are stored in climate-controlled facilities and can be examined by researchers in a reading room on site.
The archive was established in 1921 to collect records from church administration and organizations within the diocese. Its oldest documents date to the 10th century, showing how long the archdiocese has kept track of its affairs.
The archive holds records from the Cologne diocese that document the region's religious life and church administration over many centuries. Visitors can see how these materials reflect the spiritual and organizational role of the church in local history.
The archive is located in a downtown building and provides several reading spots for document consultation. Visitors should arrange a visit in advance and follow basic guidelines for handling historical materials.
An underground facility completed in 2007 greatly expanded storage capacity and made this one of the country's largest document collections. This modern expansion contrasts sharply with the century-old traditions of the institution.
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